Why does Christianity offend people?

[nellypope]

Just been reading through Theland's Jerusalemn post, and it brought to mind the strength of opionion people have of Christians. Why do people seem offended if you are Christian, Makes no difference if you have never really talked to people about it, the moment you mention it, they recoil. Why? It has to be there own image, and I was wondering what it was. It was it can't just be the fear of jumble sales, and poorly colour co-ordinated crocheting!!!....or is it! ;-)

PS It does not seem to happen if you are Muslim, or Jewish, just Christian.

[wizard69]

nelly, I think you will find that the atheists on here (myself included) are just as offended at religions other than christianity but we dont get muslims or jews on here pushing their belief systems down our throats.
Personally, what I find offensive is been moralised at by people like Mani who think that a divorced woman shouldnt remarry or that homosexuality is a sickness that needs curing. I also find it offensive to suggest that I'm evil eneough to burn in hell for eternity because I cant accept
a (quiet frankly) ridiculous belief system, while these nutters will be twanging on their harps singing praises to a god that is a psychopath. If you read the bible all the way through you will know what I mean...

[EngTeach]

Nellypope--I have wondered the same thing. I think a lot of it is all the political correctness. I sometimes feel that if you are white,straight and christian in today's world it's difficult to have an opinion, for fear of being racist, homophobic etc.

I think the word "Christian" has become associated with some of the overzealous, very right wing, sort of born-again practices. I think it's those behaviors that give christianity a bad rap. This is not true of all Christians or belief systems.

[clairey-s]

I don't think its offence, I think its more fear of the unknown? People worry about bieng 'told off' by christians and don't want to make any wrong moves around them? Am I right?

x

[WaldoMcFroog]

Perhaps people object to being moralised at by people who believe in a God who is anything but moral according to their own sacred texts, for one?

Objection to Christianity is more likely than to other religions since the UK has historically been Christian and our entire culture is bound up with it so there is an inevitable familiarity with it for the majority of people.

[nellypope]

Thankyou, Thanyou for all these posts, this is exactly what I wanted to know, Christianity is difficult one, I'm Christian but when I started out I was amazed at the behaviour of other Christians, by definition, a Christian shouldn't judge, amongst other things, It actually says, to be sensitive to nono Christians (i.e. Not ram it down people's throats).

All I mentioned was the word Christianity in this post, and people seem to be already angry and I suppose that's my point, REGARDLESS of it's teachings, it angers people, just by the very word, I might simply say that I'm Christian and people no longer want to know me, yet I would never dream of imposing my views on anyone.

And I don't crochet or make jam either ;-)

[naomi24]

nelly, there's nothing wrong in Christ's basic message - that is to love one another. However, Christianity, sadly, doesn't stop there. In my opinion men have manipulated Christ's message to suit themselves and in so doing have caused and are still causing untold damage to its followers. To teach that babies are born sinners, and to breed fear and guilt into people throughout their lives is nothing less than evil. Additionally, Christians insist that their god is a god of love, but clearly they're either unaware of his track record - or they're shutting their eyes to it. If he were human, he'd be deemed a murdering psychopath and he'd be removed from society forever. Organised Christianity is the greatest lie ever told. I'm convinced that Jesus, a devout Jew, had no intention of leading the way to a new religion, and if he could see what men have made of his message he'd be absolutely appalled. Organised Christianity is an insult to him.

[Romeo]

nellypope, whatever happens, do not be put off by the cynics on this site who have their own misguided idea of what Christianity is about. Hold on to your faith, and good luck.

[jake-the-peg]

Nelly,

There are many reasons that people become Christians so I think you'll find as many reasons that people dislike them.

I do think you're absolutely wrong about beople not disliking other religions. Go and ask people on the News forum what they think of Islam if you don't believe me.

As for Judaeism, the history of anti-semitism has been long and very nasty.

If you look a religions like Budhism that have a pretty positive reception in general and look at why that is it's usually because they're seen as very peace loving and not interfering in other people's lives.

Now I know you'll probably say that Christianity is a religion of peace but think carefully to yourself - The army have military chaplains telling soldiers that they are doing their duty to their country - do you think that if Jesus were here now he'd do that? do you think he'd be blessing men with guns?

[chakka35]

Well said, naomi.

[nellypope]

Thankyou for your input, points of view and support.

It saddens me when People use Christianity, nay regligion for their own ends, it's a clear breach of the bible's true teaching and very hypocritical, (re:Naomi's post). These people are So wrong and it happens in all religions, just look at the pressure Muslims are under due to a few extremists.

Thanks again

[Le Chat]

nellypope. I became a born again Christian but found that 'they' used to try and bring God into every conversation, whether it be with other Christians (who were quite happy obvoiusly) or the 'man on the street' who couldn't wait to run away! At the church I attended, someone came up with the notion that God had spoken to them and suggested that when women 'spoke' in toungues, they were required to wear a hat. That was just so damn ridiculous that I just couldn't be bothered with it all.
I have my own unique theories now about why we are here and where we will go and none of them are based on Biblical teachings.

[littleoldme]

Nothing much to add to naomi24's post - absolutely spot on.

Even as something of an agnostic myself, I am a firm advocate of personal faith. Believing in God and Jesus (or Allah, or Buddah, or whoever) is fine, and if that makes you more likely to live a good life, be more tolerant and help other people, even better. It's organised religion (not just Christianity) that causes so many problems around the world, and has done for centuries. In many places the Bible (or at least the Old Testament) is just as cruel and bloodthirsty as the Qu'ran. Thankfully, there seem to be fewer people wanting to take it literally.

[Whickerman]

You want to know why people get offended by Christians? Here's the ultimate example why. The sheer arrogance is staggering.
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Society-and-Cul ture/Religion-and-Spirituality/Question437086. html

That's why people abhor the way Christians carry on.

[nellypope]

So let me get this straight, I am a Christian, I don't try to convert, Judge people, I'm not offended by ANY other life choices, I'm not arrogant the list could go on, in fact you would not know that I was Christian unless I told you, as I have indeed done so, and I would only tell you I was if specifically asked, but I am abhorent because I am Christian. Why?

[nellypope]

So let me get this right, I am Christian, I don't Judge people morally or think non-Christians are evil, I don't offend others with my beliefs, I believe in having life choices etc, and I don't try to convert people. In fact the only way people would know I was Christian is if I told them, and then it would probably only be if they specifically asked about my beliefs, but that would be all I would say, But I am abhorent because I am a Christian? Why?

Why do people believe all Christians are the same, just like not all Muslims are extremists or all policemen are bad, or all women & white van drivers are nutters, I just don't get why people change towards me and other Christians when they find out you go to church, or they see the bible in your house.

[isis4691]

Try telling people that you are a spiritualist! They nearly always start doiing 'Mystic Meg' impressions etc and I never mention my religion unless it is relevent or someone asks. At my children's school when they were younger it didn't matter how many times I filled in spiritualist in the religion box, when ever I read anything from school to update details etc.. they had replaced it with Christian.

Not that I am against Christian or any belief, but I felt it was my right to be what ever I wanted to be.

[nellypope]

Precisely Isis, I admit that I used to give Christian people a wide berth too, but obviously now I see it in a completely different light, I think it's simply stereotyping, you know bad Crocheting, jam, and mumbled hymns, I now know that, like most stereotypes I was wrong. I posted the question, because I would love to know where it comes from, like you say, spiritulists get "mystic meg".

[isis4691]

We also get called 'witches' etc and I really take offence to that as I am not Wiccan or Pagan and I completely understand where your'e coming from ,after all I never say anything at all to my athiest friends (and there are many) so if you have strength of charactor to actually stand up and say you believe in something why do you become a figure of fun or a target of hate?

[naomi24]

Nelly, one question. Why are you a Christian?

[nellypope]

Hi Naomi, It's a good question!

My life was pretty messed up, and was a complete non-believer, so in absolute desperation, I asked God, The Divine Being, (Whoever I Believed to be in charge) to show what to do, I said I would convert to Judaism, Islam, atheism Paganism, or Christianity, I said whichever religion I was told to belong to, I would follow it.

I had an extremely incredible experience following this, which left ABSOLUTELY no doubt in my mind that it was Christianity for me. The difference is immense, and with regard to talking to other people about it, all I would say is...

Know what you are dismissing.

So much rubbish is spoken of the bible and other holy books, to base all your knowledge on what you have heard, r experienced from others would be foolhardy. I do not say this to convert others or anything like this, just educate yourself, by yourself ;-) With religion it is hard to trust people, it;s a very personal experience.